PPI Use Linked to Low Magnesium in Dialysis Patients: Study

Use of proton pump inhibitor heartburn medications by hemodialysis patients has been linked to low serum magnesium levels, which in the presence of inflammation are associated with increased 1-year mortality risk, according to a new study.

Use of proton pump inhibitor heartburn medications like Nexium by hemodialysis patients has been linked to low serum magnesium levels (hypomagnesemia), which in the presence of inflammation are associated with increased 1-year mortality risk, according to a new study.

Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one was injured by proton pump inhibitor side effects, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a suit against the manufacturer and our lawyers can help.

What’s the Problem?

July 13, 2016 – For the study, a research team led by Rika Ago, MD of Miyoshi Central Hospital in Hiroshima, Japan, looked at data on 399 hemodialysis patients, 243 of whom were taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) when magnesium measurements were tested. PPI drugs include:

“These results indicate that low serum magnesium levels are related to malnourishment and inflammation in these patients,” the researchers said.

At least 29 patient deaths were noted in follow-up. Elevated hs-CRP levels (higher than 4.04 mg/L) in conjunction with low magnesium were linked to a nearly 3-fold increased risk of 1-year mortality.

In healthy patients, serum magnesium levels are regulated by the kidneys and digestive tract. Dialysis patients tend to have higher serum magnesium levels than the general population, as magnesium balance depends on intestinal absorption of magnesium and dialysate concentrations of magnesium, according to the researchers.

The U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2011 warned that PPIs were associated with an increased risk of hypomagnesemia with symptoms of neurological, muscular and cardiac effects. Proton pump inhibitor use among dialysis patients is popular because a high percentage of them suffer from intestinal bleeding and use antiplatelet and coagulation drugs prescribed for cardiovascular disease, the study’s authors noted.

Do I Have a Proton Pump Inhibitor Lawsuit?

The Pharmaceutical Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in PPI lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.

Free Confidential Case Evaluation: Again, if you suffered kidney damage after taking a proton pump inhibitor, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.